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Deep Brain Stimulation, Authenticity and Value

Further Reflections

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 September 2017

SVEN NYHOLM  and
ELIZABETH O’NEILL
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Abstract:

In this article, we engage in dialogue with Jonathan Pugh, Hannah Maslen, and Julian Savulescu about how to best interpret the potential impacts of deep brain stimulation on the self. We consider whether ordinary peoples’ convictions about the true self should be interpreted in essentialist or existentialist ways. Like Pugh, Maslen, and Savulescu, we argue that it is useful to understand the notion of the true self as having both essentialist and existentialist components. We also consider two ideas from existentialist philosophy—Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir’s ideas about “bad faith” and “ambiguity”—to argue that there can be value to patients in regarding themselves as having a certain amount of freedom to choose what aspects of themselves should be considered representative of their true selves. Lastly, we consider the case of an anorexia nervosa patient who shifts between conflicting mind-sets. We argue that mind-sets in which it is easier for the patient and his or her family to share values can plausibly be considered to be more representative of the patient’s true self, if this promotes a well-functioning relationship between the patient and the family. However, we also argue that families are well advised to give patients room to determine what such shared values mean to them, as it can be alienating for patients if they feel that others try to impose values on them from the outside.

Keywords

deep brain stimulationauthenticitythe true selfessentialismexistentialismvaluesanorexia nervosa
Type
Continuing the Conversation
Information
Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics , Volume 26 , Special Issue 4: Clinical Neuroethics , October 2017 , pp. 658 - 670
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

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References

Notes

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5. Hence contrary to Sabine Müller et al.’s interpretation of our discussion in a recent article of theirs, we were not practicing “metaphysics” when we discussed the true self. Rather, we were interested in people’s values and self-conceptions. Müller S, Bittlinger M, Walter H. Threats to neurosurgical patients posed by the personal identity debate. Neuroethics 2017; online first at: DOI 10.1007/s12152-017-9304-0

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